Perspectives
Ben Morrin, 33, Programme Director, Local and Regional Partnerships, Department of Health.
I?m trying to encourage the Department to listen and learn from local partners. Our programme includes taking forward legislation with Ministers and developing systems that allow us to devolve more responsibility and choice to local communities.
When I first got involved in talking to stakeholders in regions, it wasn?t easy to be open. But we gained more confidence in what we were trying to do and got much better results from those conversations. I learned more about where people were at, and got less defensive about things that had gone wrong. Now we?ve developed strong partnerships that allow for very open and trusted dialogue.
Right now I?m preoccupied with getting enough sleep. My three month year old son is still waking us up five times a night.
Before I joined the Department in 1997, I worked in Westminster as a research assistant for Derek Fatchett, MP. He offered me a great chance to learn how Parliament worked. He was particularly open to being challenged on his own views or ideas, just as he expected his team to be receptive to challenge themselves.
One of the highpoints of my career was spending two years working at my local NHS hospital. It was a great opportunity to go back into the front line and see the consequences of the policies I?d been working on.
There are some very talented people here, with a range of different experiences and skills. Working with them is the most rewarding part of my role.
One of my worst moments was turning up to do a presentation in Exeter to 200+ people after a six hour journey, and realised I had left my presentation in London.
It?s good to recognise when you make a mistake and openly review how you can learn from it.
To anyone starting work now I?d say spend as much time as you can time out of the office listening and learning from other people who can help you. Trust your own guts about how you should face up to challenges - and follow through. Maintain a good work-life balance that works for you.
In 10 years time I think the Department will be more focused about what our key roles and functions are. I also think we will have devolved decision making and more local engagement.